Design and FEM modelling of steel truss girder joints

This paper critically presents the codified design of joints in steel truss girders, according to the latest european norms [1, 2] , as contemporary norms in which this issue is included and processed in detail for the first time. Rules in [2] are based on simplified analytical models in combination with experimental research, so the regulations consist of semi-empirical calculation formulae which are valid in limited conditions. Thus, in engineering practice it is required to take care of parameters which affect the global or local behaviour of truss girder such as secondary bending moments, bending moments resulting from eccentric member joints, and joint deformability, so this paper gives distinct attention to these effects. Typical truss girder behaviour modelling modes using finite element method (FEM) are illustratred so to predict their values, and take them in the final estimate if needed. The steel truss girder made of hollow rectangular sections with welded joints is reviewed in detail and numerically exemplified. The accuracies are compared and recommendations are given for the application of each model.